AVALON AIRPORT: Melbourne — teenager arrested for boarding Jetstar flight with loaded shotgun

In a shocking security breach, a 17-year-old teenager was arrested after, it is alleged, breaching security at Melbourne’s second airport, Avalon. The youth attempted to board the Jetstar plane with a loaded shotgun. The incident occurred on Thursday, 6 March at 2:20 pm. The attempt was met with a swift response from passengers onboard flight JQ610 bound for Sydney.

Passengers tackle teenager

Wearing high-visibility clothing, similar to airport ground crew, the teenager entered the airport through a hole in the security fence. He walked up the stairs before being tackled by multiple passengers once the rifle was seen.

Passengers overpowered the youth, restraining him until police arrived. Passengers, Barry Clark, played a crucial role in subduing and disarming the teenager.

Charges

The 17-year-old has been charged with multiple serious offences, including ‘unlawfully taking control of an aircraft’, ‘endangering the safety of an aircraft’, ‘carrying out a bomb hoax’ and ‘possession of a firearm’.

The teenager remains in custody and is set to appear before a children’s court.

Police investigation

Superintendent Michael Reid says, the teenager acted alone and has no known prior criminal history. The incident is not currently being treated as an act of terrorism.

Superintendent Reid acknowledged the seriousness of the breach:

“It is very concerning that someone could approach an aircraft and gain access while carrying a firearm. The bravery of the passengers who intervened is commendable.”

Superintendent Reid

Two bags and a vehicle were discovered, belonging to the teenager, warranting a precautionary response from the Bomb Squad.

Passenger actions

Passengers aboard flight JQ610 have praised Barry Clark, a shearer from country town Echuca, for his quick response of tackling the teenager.

“Barry Clark in 1C jumped him, tackled him, got him in a choke lock, and disarmed him. The pilot and other passengers jumped in to help hold him down.”

Passenger ‘Woodrow’

Clark recounted his reaction:

“I saw a gun and knew we had to act. I threw it down the stairs and held him down until police arrived. You don’t think, you act.”

Avalon Airport tightens security

Jetstar and Avalon Airport assured the public that security measures have been heightened as a result of the breach.

“We want to reassure passengers and the community that safety remains our highest priority. Additional security measures have been implemented within the terminal and surrounding areas.”

Avalon Airport CEO Ari Suss

2PAXfly Takeout

The flight was abandoned, leaving passengers apparently stranded as no other flights were scheduled to leave the airport.

The airport has now reopened. Affected passengers should contact Jetstar for further updates on flights.

This is an alarming incident. Secondary airports seem to lack the stringent security protocols of larger capital city primary airports. Doubtless there will be calls for better funding and infrastructure improvements at similar airports.

I am certain authorities didn’t need this headache in the light of the threats to air traffic on the east coast of Australia caused by Cyclone Alfred.

This story has been compiled from several sources, including the ABC.